TV sets blow up as homes are hit by huge power surge

TELEVISIONS burst into flames, smoke poured from DVD players and appliances overheated as a power surge caused chaos in hundreds of homes.

The electricity surge left one man injured and caused 23 minor fires after nearly twice the normal amount of voltage was sent through the mains.

Firefighters were called to the Archway Road area of Highgate yesterday and police were forced to isolate the eight-road block after reports appliances had burst into flames.

In one incident a 67-year-old man was admitted to hospital for smoke inhalation after his television caught fire.

It is thought the power surge was caused by a faulty fuse box at the substation which serves the block.

Resident Michael Nabavian, 29, said: "I was woken up at 4.30am by the sound of my bathroom fan, which had for some reason turned on, as had the bathroom light. It was making a strange noise and I could smell burning plastic. I didn't know what to think.

"I tried to turn them off but nothing seemed able to stop it. I went into the lounge only to see smoke billowing from my DVD player. It was terrifying as I had no idea what was causing these things to happen."

Electricity company EDF disconnected power supplies temporarily as six fire engines from local stations extinguished several small blazes across the affected area.

Haringey council set up a shelter at Storey School, Highgate, where refreshments and soup were provided for those left without the means to cook.

A London Fire Brig ade spokesman said: "Calls just seemed to flood in one after the other. It was unlike anything we've experienced before."

An EDF Energy spokesman said: "Our engineers and specialist contractors are contacting all householders affected to check electrical equipment and repair any that have been damaged. Our insurers have also been advised. EDF Energy would like to apologise to all those affected. Fortunately such faults are extremely rare."

EDF admitted residents in the area had complained last week that lights had been flickering, but after three inspections everything appeared to be in order.

Lib-Dem London Assembly member Lynne Featherstone, a local resident, said: "EDF Energy will. have to answer some very serious questions about how an incident on this scale can have occurred. It also serves as a reminder of how vital it is for people to have smoke alarms and check they are working properly."

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